Police praised with pastries

In the wake of last week’s riots, police officers have been warned not to “spend too much time eating” as grateful members of the public offer sweets, cakes and even three-course meals to thank them for restoring order to the streets.

Tim Godwin: Watching police waistlines.

Acting Metropolitan Police commissioner, Tim Godwin, has joked that his staff must not “spend too much time eating”, or else they will end up with a waistline like his.

The Commons home affairs committee heard that many officers had worked 20-hour shifts as they dealt with the demands placed on them by last week’s rioting. Many had been cheered and clapped by grateful residents as they patrolled the streets, claimed Mr Godwin.

“The Met Police has probably not had as high a morale as it does now, in recent months and years, and that’s because the people are supportive, they’re thanking them for their results on the night”.